Electric toaster

ABSTRACT

There is provided an electric toaster for use in the toasting of a food product. The toaster comprises a body and within the body, at least one cavity for receipt of said food product. There is associated with said at least one cavity, at least one toasting element for toasting the food product. The toaster also comprises an electrical power control system for controlling the power of said at least one toasting element. The electrical power control system incorporates at least two different power on settings and the at least one toasting element is switchable between the at least two different power on settings during a toasting operation.

The present invention relates to an electric toaster for domestic orcommercial use. The toaster may in aspects, be configured as a toasterfor bread or other bakery products or as a toaster oven.

Electric toasters are well-known commercial and domestic appliances andare found in many kitchens. Typically, such toasters comprise a housingwith a cavity for receipt of food product to be toasted and one or moretoasting elements that operate in response to input from an electroniccontrol system. The sophistication of existing electronic controlsystems varies from those involving timing mechanisms of various sortsto those incorporating sensors for sensing the degree of browning of thetoasted product.

Whilst the toasting process is on the face of it quite straightforward,it remains difficult in practice to design an energy efficient toasterthat provides effective browning without burning and the required degreeof moistness and/or crispiness of the toasted product. Users ofconventional toasters are familiar with the difficulties. Toastermanufacturers are therefore continually striving to enhance performanceand efficiency of electric toasters whilst accepting that suchenhancements must be implementable on a reasonable cost basis as fitswith a product that typically commands only a moderate unit price atretail.

The Applicants have now devised a method of toasting which is bothenergy efficient and enables fast and effective browning withoutburning. The method also in aspects, enables enhanced degree of controlof the moisture content of the inner part of the toasted product. Thetoasting method involves repeated switching between high and low powermodes over the course of a toasting operation and is implementable atreasonable manufacturing cost.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided anelectric toaster for use in the toasting of a food product, said toastercomprising

a body;

within said body, at least one cavity for receipt of said food product;

associated with said at least one cavity, at least one toasting elementfor toasting the food product; and

an electrical power control system for controlling the power of said atleast one toasting element,

wherein said electrical power control system incorporates at least twodifferent power on settings and the at least one toasting element isswitchable between said at least two different power on settings duringa toasting operation.

The invention provides an electric toaster for use in the toasting of afood product. The toaster may be configured for domestic or commercialuse and have any suitable form including the form of a bread or otherbakery product toaster or the form of a toaster oven. The objective ofthe toasting operation is generally browning of the product withoutburning (i.e. without blackening). In aspects, the toasting operationmay be arranged to control the moisture content of the toasted product.In different aspects, it may be arranged to leave the food product softand/or moist inside (e.g. standard bread toast) or it may be arranged todry out and/or crisp the inner part of the food product (e.g. Frenchtoast).

The food product in aspects, may be a bakery product such as a brown orwhite bread slice, a muffin or a crumpet. In other aspects, the foodproduct may be any food product for which a toasting-style cookingoperation is suitable including certain meat, fish, dairy, fruit andvegetable products.

The toaster comprises a body (or housing) and provided to the body, atleast one cavity for receipt of food product.

The body may have any suitable form including forms that are designed tobe accommodated on a work surface in a domestic or commercial kitchenarea.

The at least one cavity may similarly have any suitable form. The cavitymay in aspects, be an open cavity or in other aspects, it may be closedoff with a lid or door.

In one preferred aspect, the toaster is configured as a bread toaster.The at least one cavity therefore takes the form of a slot that is sizedand shaped to receive a slice of bread. Embodiments with multiplebread-receiving slots are envisaged including 1 slice/1 slot; 2 slice/2slot; 2 slice/1 slot; 4 slice/2 slot; 4 slice/4 slot; 3 slice/3 slot;and 6 slice/6 slot variations.

At least one toasting element for toasting the food product isassociated with the at least one cavity. The toasting element isgenerally an electrically powered heating element that may be heated toa sufficient temperature (usually to ‘red or glowing heat’) for it to beused in a toasting operation. In one aspect, the heating element is aglass tube heating element. Power is generally provided through pluggingthe toaster into the mains electricity supply.

Each cavity may be associated with its own heating element(s) but invariations one or more heating element(s) may be associated with pluralcavities and vice versa as is required for effective toasting operationsto be implemented.

The toaster is provided with an electrical power control system forcontrolling the electrical power provided to the at least one toastingelement. The electrical power control system generally compriseselectrical control circuitry (e.g. located on a printed circuit board)for controlling the supply of electrical power to the heatingelement(s).

The electrical power control system incorporates at least two differentpower on settings. That is to say, the at least one toasting element ispowerable to at least two different power on settings. The term ‘poweron’ is used to mean a state where power is supplied to the at least onetoasting element and thus specifically excludes the ‘power off’ statewhere no power is supplied thereto.

The exact values of the different power settings may be selected tomatch the requirements of the particular toasting operation of interest,and in particular to achieve desired levels of crisping, browning andmoisture content of the toasted product.

In one aspect herein, the different power on settings are pre-set. Thatis to say, power values are pre-set (e.g. at the time of manufacture).Embodiments are envisaged in which one or more switching programs arepre-defined (e.g. at the time of manufacture) and in use, the userselects from these one or more defined switching programs.

In another aspect herein, the different power on settings are notpre-set but rather may be varied either in response to user input or inresponse to input from an electronic data management system (e.g. amicroprocessor-based system) of the toaster which in turn may receiveinput from various sensors or measurement devices of the toaster.

Suitably, two power on settings are defined. These generally relate tonormal and high power modes of operation. In one preferred embodimentherein, the normal power on setting corresponds to a power of from 700to 1100 W, particularly 900 W and the high power on setting correspondsto a power of from 1300 to 1700 W, particularly 1500 W.

The at least one toasting element is switchable between the at least twodifferent power on settings during a toasting operation. That is to say,during the course of a toasting operation the power supplied to the atleast one toasting element may be switched from one power on setting toanother under the control of the electrical power control system.

Preferably, the at least one toasting element is repeatedly switchablebetween the at least two different power on settings during a toastingoperation.

Preferably, the switching between the at least two different power onsettings follows a (pre-defined) switching (or pulsing cycle).

In one toasting cycle herein, the toaster is first operated at normalpower (e.g. 700 to 1100 W) for a first time period and then at highpower (e.g. 1300 to 1700 W) for a second time period, then back tonormal power for a time period equivalent to the first time period, thenback to high power for a time period equivalent to the second timeperiod, and this switching pattern repeated until the end of thetoasting cycle. This toasting cycle is particularly suitable for goldenbrown toasting of bread with a moist/non-crisp interior.

In another toasting cycle herein, the toaster is first operated atnormal power (e.g. 700 to 1100 W) for a first time period and then atlow power (e.g. 300 to 700 W) for a second time period, then back tonormal power for a time period equivalent to the first time period, thenback to high power for a time period equivalent to the second timeperiod, and this switching pattern repeated until the end of thetoasting cycle. This toasting cycle is particularly suitable for crisptoasting of bread (with a non-moist interior) in French toast style.

The length of the first and second time period is generally,pre-defined. Suitably, the first time period is from 15 to 25 seconds,particularly 20 seconds and the second time period is from 5 to 15seconds, particularly 10 seconds. The full toasting cycle is generallyfrom 60 to 120 seconds, particularly from 70 to 100 seconds.

Suitably, the electrical control system additionally comprises anelectronic data management system. The electronic data management systemhas input/output capability and comprises a memory for storage of data;a microprocessor for performing operations on said data; and atransmitter for transmitting a signal relating to the data or theoutcome of an operation on the data.

Data may be pre-supplied (e.g. in the form of pre-set power on settingsand cycle, switching times). In other aspects, the data may be varied bythe user in response to user or sensed or measured inputs for aparticular tailored toasting operation.

Suitably, the toaster additionally comprises a data input system foruser input of data to the electronic data management system. Preferably,the data input system comprises a man machine interface (MMI) preferablyselected from a keypad, voice recognition interface, graphical userinterface (GUI) or biometrics interface.

In aspects, the toaster additionally comprises various sensors and/ormeasurement means for sensing or measuring characteristics of theinitial food product, the food product during the toasting operation orof the toaster components in use. Suitable sensors include heat sensors(e.g. infra-red); browning or other colour sensors; reflectance sensors;particle sensors (e.g. for sensing carbon particles which may be relatedto burning); moisture sensors; and movement sensors.

In one particular aspect, the electronic data management system isarranged to be responsive to or activated by the voice of a user. Thus,for example the system may be switched on or off in response to a voicecommand.

The electronic data management system may be arranged to be integralwith the body of the toaster. Alternatively, the electronic datamanagement system forms part of a base unit which is reversiblyassociable with the body.

Energy may be conserved by use of a variety of means which enable theelectronic data management system to operate on an energy efficientbasis. A variety of energy saving methods is available which generallyinvolve reducing power consumption. One such method is to use a clock ortimer circuit to switch the power on and off at regular or predeterminedintervals. In another method the system can selectively switch on/offspecific electronic devices, such as visual display units or sensors, inorder to power these devices only when they are required to perform aparticular sequence of events. The power sequencing system may alsorespond to a sensor, such as a motion sensor, which is activated on userinteraction with the toaster.

Low power or “micropower” components should be used within theelectronics where possible and if a high power device is required for aparticular function this should be put into a low power standby mode orswitched off when not required.

For low power digital applications complementary metal oxidesemi-conductor (CMOS) devices are generally preferred and these may bespecially selected by screening for low quiescent currents. Clock speedsof processors and other logic circuits should be reduced to the minimumrequired for computational throughput as power consumption increaseswith frequency. Supply voltages should also be kept at minimal valuesconsistent with reliable operation because power dissipation in charginginternal capacitance's during switching is proportional to the square ofthe voltage. Where possible, supply voltages should be approximately thesame throughout the circuit to prevent current flowing through inputprotection circuits. Logic inputs should not be left floating andcircuits should be arranged so that power consumption is minimised inthe most usual logic output state. Slow logic transitions areundesirable because they can result in relatively large class-A currentsflowing. Resistors may be incorporated in the power supply to individualdevices in order to minimise current in the event of failure.

Suitably, the toaster additionally comprises a visual display unit fordisplay of data from the electronic data management system to the user.The display may for example, comprise a screen such as an LED or LCDscreen. More preferably the visual display unit is associable with thebody of the toaster.

Suitably, the toaster additionally comprises a datalink for linking to alocal data store to enable communication of data between the local datastore and the electronic data management system. The datastore may alsocomprise data management, data analysis and data communicationcapability.

The datastore may itself form part of a portable device (e.g. afreestanding device suitable for use in a kitchen) or it may be sizedand shaped to be accommodated elsewhere within the patient's home.

The datalink may for example enable linking with a docking station, apersonal computer, a network computer system or a set-top box by anysuitable method including a hard-wired link, an infra red link or anyother suitable wireless communications link.

The toaster may additionally comprise a safety mechanism to preventunintended multiple actuations thereof. In aspects, the safety mechanismimposes a time delay between successive actuations of the release means.The time delay is typically of the order of from three to thirtyseconds.

Suitably, the toaster additionally comprises a release detector fordetecting release of toasted product therefrom, wherein said releasedetector transmits release data to the electronic data managementsystem.

In aspects, the electronic data management system additionally comprisesa communicator for wireless communication with a network computer systemto enable sending and receipt of data from a network computer system.

In one aspect, the communicator communicates via a gateway to thenetwork computer system. In another aspect, the communicator includes anetwork server (e.g. a web server) such that it may directly communicatewith the network.

In a further aspect, the communicator communicates with the gateway viaa second communications device. Preferably, the second communicationsdevice is a telecommunications device, more preferably a cellular phoneor pager. Preferably, the communicator communicates with the secondcommunications device using spread spectrum radiofrequency signals. Asuitable spread spectrum protocol is the Bluetooth (trade mark) standardwhich employs rapid (e.g. 1600 times a second) hopping between pluralfrequencies (e.g. 79 different frequencies). The protocol may furtheremploy multiple sending of data bits (e.g. sending in triplicate) toreduce interference.

The electronic data interchange system may comprise any suitableelectronic or computer-based system which enables receipt andtransmission of information. The electronic data interchange systemenables a number of steps, which are initiated and/or authorised by theconsumer.

Suitably, the electronic data interchange system forms a hub on anetwork computer system. The hub may be located on a single server ormay be located on multiple servers appropriately linked. The hub istypically located at, and under the control of a network servicesprovider such as a network manager or an Internet Service Provider.

Suitably, the hub is a specific network address in a network computersystem. The specific network address may be selected from the groupconsisting of a web-site address, an e-mail address and a file transferprotocol address. Preferably, the hub is a web-site address on thenetwork computer system.

In one aspect, the network computer system comprises a public accessnetwork computer system. The Internet is one suitable example of apublic access network computer system, wherein the entrypoint can be anysuitable entrypoint thereto including gateways managed by an Internetservice provider. The public access network computer system may alsoform part of a telecommunications system (digital or analogue), whichmay itself be either a traditional copper wire system, a cellular systemor an optical network. The entry point may in embodiment also be via aTV, cable TV, web TV or homeview portal access point.

In another aspect, the network computer system comprises a privateaccess network computer system and the entrypoint is a secure gateway.The private access network system may for example, comprise an intranetor extranet which may for example, be maintained by an informationservice provider. The secure gateway may for example include passwordprotection; a firewall; and suitable encryption means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is providedan electric toaster element system for use in a toaster for use intoasting of a food product, said toaster element system comprising

at least one toasting element for toasting said food product; and

an electrical power control system for controlling the power of said atleast one toasting element,

wherein said electrical power control system incorporates at least twodifferent power on settings and the at least one toasting element isswitchable between said at least two different power on settings duringa toasting operation.

The toaster element system is suitable for incorporation into a toasterherein, but may be manufactured and supplied as a separate element (e.g.a sub-assembly) thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of toasting of a food product, said method comprising

(a) associating said food product with at least one toasting element;

(b) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element at afirst power on setting for a first time period;

(c) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element at asecond power on setting for a second time period; and

(d) optionally, repeating steps (b) and (c).

Steps (a) to (d) are carried out in sequence to define a toasting cycle.

A preferred method herein comprises

(a) associating said food product with at least one toasting element;

(b) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element at afirst power on setting for a first time period;

(c) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element at asecond power on setting for a second time period;

(d) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element atsaid first power on setting for said first time period;

(e) applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element atsaid second power on setting for said second time period;

and (f) optionally, further repeating steps (d) and (e).

The first and second power on settings are generally pre-set. The term‘power on’ is used to mean a state where power is supplied to the atleast one toasting element and thus excludes the ‘power off’ state whereno power is supplied thereto.

The exact values of the different (and generally, pre-set) power onsettings may be selected to match the requirements of the particulartoasting operation of interest.

Suitably, two power on settings are defined relating to normal and highor low power modes of operation. In one preferred method herein, thenormal power on setting corresponds to a power of from 700 to 1100 W,particularly 900 w and the high power on setting corresponds to a powerof from 1300 to 1700 W, particularly 1500 W. A low power on setting, inone aspect corresponds to a power of from 300 to 700 W.

In the method herein, the at least one toasting element is switchablebetween at least two different power on settings during a toastingoperation. That is to say, during the course of a toasting operation thepower supplied to the at least one toasting element may be switched fromone power on setting to another. Such switching is generally achievedthrough the use of an electrical power control system.

In one toasting method herein, the toasting is first conducted at normalpower (e.g. 700 to 1100 W) for a first time period and then at highpower (e.g. 1300 to 1700 W) for a second time period, then back tonormal power for a time period equivalent to the first time period, thenback to high power for a time period equivalent to the second timeperiod, and this switching pattern repeated until the end of thetoasting cycle. This toasting method is particularly suitable for goldenbrown toasting of bread with a moist/non-crisp interior.

In another toasting method herein, the toasting is first conducted atnormal power (e.g. 700 to 1100 W) for a first time period and then atlow power (e.g. 300 to 700 W) for a second time period, then back tonormal power for a time period equivalent to the first time period, thenback to high power for a time period equivalent to the second timeperiod, and this switching pattern repeated until the end of thetoasting cycle. This toasting cycle is particularly suitable for crisptoasting of bread (with a non-moist interior) in French toast style.

The length of the first and second time period is generally,pre-defined. Suitably, the first time period is from 15 to 25 seconds,particularly 20 seconds and the second time period is from 5 to 15seconds, particularly 10 seconds. The full toasting cycle is generallyfrom 60 to 120 seconds, particularly from 70 to 100 seconds.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda computer program product for use with an electric toaster comprising adigital computer comprising software code portions for performing, orrequesting user input enabling the performing, of the softwareimplementable steps of the method described above, when said program isrun on said digital computer.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a ‘2 bread slice’ electric toasterherein;

FIG. 2. is a perspective view of a ‘4 bread slice’ electric toasterherein;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a bread-receiving slot of an electric toasterherein;

FIG. 4 is a system diagram for an electric toaster herein;

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a first power supply cycleherein;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a first power supply cycleherein; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electric toaster oven herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view, a first electric toaster herein.The toaster 10 comprises a body 20 which is shaped to sit on a kitchensurface (not shown). The top surface of the body 20 is provided withcavities 32 a, 32 b accessible by slots 30 a, 30 b which are sized andshaped to each receive a single slice of bread (not shown). It will beappreciated that in use, a bread slice is fully-received within thecavity 32 a, 32 b. Heater elements are present in the cavities 32 a, 32b (see FIG. 3) and these are powered in response to input from anelectric power control system in the form of circuitry carried byprinted circuit boards (PCBs) 40 a and 40 b. The PCBs are in turn,responsive to input from manual control interface 50 which includesvarious control knobs and switches.

FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view, a second electric toaster hereinwhich is in essence, a ‘4 slice’ variation of the toaster of FIG. 1. Thetoaster 110 comprises a body 120 which is shaped to sit on a kitchensurface (not shown). The top surface of the body 120 is provided withfour cavities 132 a-d accessed by respective slots 130 a-d which aresized and shaped to each receive a single slice of bread (not shown). Itwill be appreciated that in use, the bread slice is fully-receivedwithin the cavities 132 a-d. Heater elements, present in the cavities132 a-d (see FIG. 3) are powered in response to input from an electricpower control system in the form of circuitry carried by printed circuitboards (PCBs) 140 a and 140 b. The PCBs are in turn, responsive to inputfrom manual control interface 150 which includes various control knobsand switches.

FIG. 3 shows a partial cutaway view of the top part of the body of anelectric toaster (e.g. that of FIGS. 1 and 2) looking down on abread-receiving slot 230 and heater elements 260 a, 260 b provided toeither side of the slot 230. It will be appreciated that the heaterelements 260 a, 260 b extend within the cavity defined by the slot suchthat in use, toasting heat is provided to a received bread slice. Theheater elements 260 a, 260 b are subject to the control of an electricalpower control system (not shown, but see FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows a system diagram for an electric toaster power controlsystem herein (e.g. suitable for use with the toaster of FIGS. 1 and 2).The system 300 comprises an input 370 from a mains electricity powersupply which electrically powers heaters 360 and a power control unit inthe form of a micro-controller 374 which receives power via low voltagepower supply 372. The power control unit 370 is associated in a controlcapability with both the heaters 360 and bread release mechanism 322.The heaters 360 provide toasting heat to toasting chamber 332 withinwhich bread is received for toasting purposes.

In a typical toasting operation herein. A slice of bread is insertedinto the slot 30 a-b, 130 a-d of the toaster such that it. is receivedwith a toasting cavity 32 a-b, 132 a-d, 232. Power is then supplied tothe heater elements 260 a-b, 360 which provide toasting heat to theinserted bread. After the toasting operation is complete, the releasemechanism 322 pops the bread slice up and partially out of the slot 30a-b, 130 a-d and the power to the heaters 260 a-b, 360 is switched off.

In accord with the present invention, a particular power supply cycle isemployed in which at least two different power on settings are utilised.Whilst many variations are possible, two exemplary power supply cyclesare shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 wherein the y-axis shows the amount of powersupplied to a heater of the toaster and the x-axis shows time elapsedform the start of a particular toasting cycle.

In the power supply cycle of FIG. 5, the toasting is first conducted atnormal power 480 (i.e 900 W) for a first (20 second) time period andthen at high power 482 (i.e. 1500 W) for a second (10 second) timeperiod, then back to normal power for 20 seconds and back to high powerfor 10 seconds and for a further repeat cycle until the end of thetoasting cycle (90 seconds) is reached. This toasting method isparticularly suitable for golden brown toasting of bread with amoist/non-crisp interior. In aspects, the exact timings and powersettings employed may be varied by the user to achieve tailored browningand moisture content of the toasted product.

In the power supply cycle of FIG. 6, the toasting is first conducted atnormal power 580 (i.e 900 W) for a first (20 second) time period andthen at low power 582 (i.e. 600 W) for a second (10 second) time period,then back to normal power for 20 seconds and back to low power for 10seconds and for a further two repeat cycles until the end of thetoasting cycle (120 seconds) is reached. This toasting cycle isparticularly suitable for crisp toasting of bread (with a non-moistinterior) in French toast style.

FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view, an electric toaster oven herein.The toaster oven 610 comprises a body 620 which is shaped to sit on akitchen surface (not shown). The front part of the body 620 is providedwith an access door 622 hinged at hinge axis 624 which enables access toan oven cavity (interior not visible) which is sized and shaped toreceive a variety of food products (not shown) for oven toasting. Heaterelements (not visble) are provided to the oven cavity and these arepowered in response to input from an electric power control system (notvisible) in the form of circuitry carried by printed circuit boards(PCBs). The PCBs are in turn, responsive to input from manual controlinterface 650 which includes various control knobs and switches.

Operation of the toaster oven 610 of FIG. 7 is by any of the toastingmethods described herein including those employing the specific powercontrol cycles of FIGS. 5 and 6.

1. An electric toaster for use in the toasting of a food product, saidtoaster comprising a body; within said body, at least one cavity forreceipt of said food product; associated with said at least one cavity,at least one toasting element for toasting the food product; and anelectrical power control system for controlling the power of said atleast one toasting element, wherein said electrical power control systemincorporates at least two different power on settings and the at leastone toasting element is switchable between said at least two differentpower on settings during a toasting operation.
 2. An electric toasteraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is in the form ofa slot shaped to receive a bread slice.
 3. An electric toaster accordingto claim 1, wherein any of the at least two different power on settingsis pre-set.
 4. An electric toaster according to claim 3, wherein anormal and high power setting are pre-defined.
 5. An electric toasteraccording to claim 4, wherein the normal power setting corresponds to apower of from 700 to 1100 W and the high power setting corresponds to apower of from 1300 to 1700 W.
 6. An electric toaster according to claim3, wherein a normal and low power setting are pre-defined.
 7. Anelectric toaster according to claim 6, wherein the normal power settingcorresponds to a power of from 700 to 1100 W and the low power settingcorresponds to a power of from 300 to 700 W.
 8. An electric toasteraccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one toasting element isrepeatedly switchable between the at least two different power onsettings during a toasting operation.
 9. An electric toaster accordingto claim 8, wherein switching between the at least two different poweron settings follows a pre-defined cycle.
 10. An electric toasteraccording to claim 9, wherein the pre-defined cycle involves operationat a first power on setting for a first time period and then at a secondpower on setting for a second time period and subsequent repetitionsthereof.
 11. An electric toaster according to claim 10, wherein thefirst time period is from 15 to 25 seconds and the second time period isfrom 5 to 15 seconds.
 12. An electric toaster according to claim 11,wherein the full toasting cycle is from 60 to 120 seconds.
 13. Anelectric toaster according to claim 1, wherein the electrical controlsystem additionally comprises an electronic data management system. 14.An electric toaster according to claim 13, wherein the electronic datamanagement system includes a data input system for user input of datathereto.
 15. An electric toaster according to claim 13, additionallycomprising a sensor selected from the group consisting of heat sensors;browning sensors; reflectance sensors; particle sensors; moisturesensors; and movement sensors.
 16. An electric toaster element systemsuitable for use in an electric toaster according to claim 1, saidtoaster element system comprising at least one toasting element fortoasting said food product; and an electrical power control system forcontrolling the power of said at least one toasting element, whereinsaid electrical power control system incorporates at least two differentpower on settings and the at least one toasting element is switchablebetween said at least two different power on settings during a toastingoperation.
 17. A method of toasting of a food product, said methodcomprising (a) associating said food product with at least one toastingelement; (b) applying electrical power to said at least one toastingelement at a first power on setting for a first time period; (c)applying electrical power to said at least one toasting element at asecond power on setting for a second time period; and (d) optionally,repeating steps (b) and (c).
 18. A method according to claim 17, whereinsteps (b) and (c) are repeated at least once.
 19. A method according toclaim 17, wherein the first and second power on settings are pre-set.20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the first power on settingcorresponds to a power of from 700 to 1100 W and the second power onsetting corresponds to a power of from 1300 to 1700 W.
 21. A methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the first power on setting corresponds toa power of from 700 to 1100 W and the second power on settingcorresponds to a power of from 300 to 700 W.
 22. A method according toclaim 17, wherein the length of the first and second time periods ispre-defined.
 23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the first timeperiod is from 15 to 25 seconds and the second time period is from 5 to15 seconds.
 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the fulltoasting cycle is from 60 to 120 seconds.
 25. A computer program productfor use with an electric toaster comprising a digital computercomprising software code portions for performing, or requesting userinput enabling the performing, of the software implementable steps of amethod according to claim 17, when said program is run on said digitalcomputer.